The Middle School....

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Transcript of The Middle School....

Middle school(ers) young adolescents have unique needs spans grades five through eight physical psychological intellectual social moral ethical Teach(ers) Introduction same teachers same students same class block same part of the building to effectively teach this unique group of students, a new teacher needs to consider a few important issues and concepts. What's the difference? A middle school is a departure from the traditional junior high model. instead of being a seventh and eighth grade version of high school, the middle school strategically bridges the gap between elementary and high school. takes a student-centered approach student advisory programs interdisciplinary focus opportunities for wider participation Sounds great. How? Advisory programs. Intramurals. Effective teaching strategies. Technology. structured time special activities the four Rs readin' writin' 'rithmatic relationships bring people together parents teachers adminstrators the community students why? to bridge the treacherous gap between elementary and high school equal opportunity inclusion voluntary not based upon physical skill student-centered adult-facillitated co-ed fair play team work solid relationships physical activity, teamwork, and competition foster facets of healthy relationships in ways that typical classroom interaction cannot mastering content understanding stages of development differentiate instruction for diverse learners an effective strategy begins with... motivating students managing (not controlling) the classroom communicating across diverse media verbally non-verbally technologically implementing a variety of authentic assessments self-reflection involving community failing to incorporate effective strategies leads to effectively failing and it is changing education, classrooms are beginning to "go paperless," for example children are inundated by a deluge of technology indeed, much has been said in favor of technology.... so, for the sake of fairness and equality a quote from Kentucky educator, author, farmer, Wendell Berry and one of America's most notable living poets, "I do not see that computers are bringing us one step nearer to anything that does matter to me: peace, economic justice, ecological health, political honesty, family and community stability, good work." "If the use of a computer is a new idea, then a newer idea is not to use one." from "Why I am NOT going to buy a computer."

http://home.btconnect.com/tipiglen/berrynot.html many attest, for the better technology is an important tool; however, students still need to learn to use other tools and utilize other skills being able to use it effectively is an important skill; such as handwriting, spelling, and face-to-face communication (both verbal and non-verbal). First things first or last in this case Conclusion why are you a teacher? what is your philosophy of education? what are your basic assumptions about what it means to live a good life? why? why? according to Socarates, "the unexamined life is not worth living" if we as teachers do not dig into ourselves, how will our students emerge any different? likewise, the unexamined teaching philosophy is not worth teaching education is "practical" only to the extent that it prepares, encourages, and facillitates the practice of being a whole, healthy human being.